My kids and I are what you might call Pirate’s Voyage super fans. We have seen the show four times both here in Pigeon Forge as well as in Myrtle Beach. So when we heard about the all-new, Christmas-themed dinner and show down the road from Dollywood, we jumped at the chance to see it. Here is everything I want to share about our experience there:

Why Should You Go? (Especially if you’ve already seen the show during regular season)

The Pirate’s Voyage Christmas show is like nothing you’ve ever seen before—literally. It’s an all-new show with new songs, plot, and tricks, centered around a nautical take on the Dickens’ classic, A Christmas Carol.  My kids were absolutely captivated by it all (even the two who are “too cool” for everything.)

How’s the Food?

Well… it’s amazing. Come hungry. In fact come nearly starved because with the new show they have also rolled out some new menu options. We had soup and a biscuit, followed by fried chicken and ham, with sides of mac and cheese and sweet potatoes, plus a peach turnover with unlimited drink refills.

Will My Young Kid(s) Sit Through This?

All kids are different, so I nearly didn’t include this, but I think yes! If you know me in real life, you know that my kids are mostly feral creatures who can’t sit still for anything. My youngest (who we nicknamed Wildman Wilder) has been absolutely mesmerized by Pirate’s Voyage since he was 14 months old. This show is action-packed and there is constantly something to keep little ones’ eyes busy. Plus, with food being brought in and out consistently throughout the show, little ones can munch at their own pace and keep their mouths and hands occupied as well.

What Else?

If you’ve been to the Myrtle Beach show, you’ll remember being brought into a smaller theater for a preshow. There is no preshow at Pirate’s Voyage in Pigeon Forge, but there is still a full bar, a gift shop, and a face painting station where kids can be turned into a pirate or a mermaid with the help of paint and props for an additional fee. Arriving 45 minutes to an hour early should allow plenty of time to roam around and not feel rushed and to allow everyone to play a few games like corn hole and checkers that have been placed around the lobby.

No strollers are allowed in the theater, so leave those at home!

Most importantly, remember to bring some cash to tip your servers! These are some of the hardest-working people I have ever seen. I can’t imagine serving a four-course dinner and unlimited drinks while also stopping periodically to interact in parts of the show, but they do. I have always had such energetic and patient servers every time I have gone and I have always been so grateful to them for having patience with me trying to juggle three kids eating, drinking, and waving pirate flags.